Proctors Theatre
Tightly situated amongst the local businesses of downtown Schenectady, New York, sits Proctors Theatre, a massive and regal multipurpose entertainment venue with nearly 100 years of history. From its Vaudeville beginnings in the 1920s to its current versatile state, Proctors Theatre’s storied history makes the venue a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Built in 1926 by F. F. Proctor, known as the “Dean of Vaudeville,” Proctors Theatre was initially a Vaudeville theater. Proctors was even one of the first in the country to publicly hold a demonstration of television, which it did in 1930. In its early years, the theater found great success in hosting some of the most famous vaudevillians of the era.
After years of reduced business and disrepair, Proctors Theatre found itself in danger of demolition in the 1970s, with plans to replace the historic theater with a parking lot being proposed. In order to protest the demolition, a group of passionate activists created the Arts Center & Theatre of Schenectady and rallied for the saving of the venue.
In recent years, Proctors Theatre has undergone multiple large-scale renovations, completely revitalizing the space. As a result of the renovations, the theater has been able to host large Broadway productions on top of their screen films and local performers.
With Proctors Theatre’s 100th anniversary coming up, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its influential history. Catch a show, watch a movie, or enjoy a local performer, and take in the theater’s natural grandeur.